Interaction Design IV:

My Room Revolution: Engaging Students through Personalization

http://www.nick.com/games/nick_games/letsjustplay/ljp_myroom.jhtml

Nickelodeon’s "My Room Revolution" game is designed to get players moving by having them execute physical challenges in their bedrooms via the instructions of a virtual buddy. The game is situated in a virtual bedroom that players customize to match the layout of their own bedrooms. Players then receive instructions from a virtual buddy to execute physical tasks which increase in difficulty as the game progresses. One of the key design strengths of the game is that all instructions and feedback are delivered using personalized messages throughout the game. As a result, players are more engaged in the activity and feel as if they are directly involved in the experience.

The game begins by having users customize a virtual buddy who demos and outlines the challenges players must execute. All instructions and feedback are delivered through the buddy who speaks to the player in 1st and 2nd-person points of view. For example, if the player’s bedroom layout will interfere with his ability to complete the physical challenge, the buddy explains this to the player and asks him to rearrange the room. The buddy “speaks” to the player to help him complete each step of the challenge and also offers positive feedback when the player completes a challenge. All in all, the use of personalized dialog serves to engage the player in the overall experience.